Cayambe-Coca Papallacta 5 day / 4 night Backcountry Trekking Adventure
Hike through large open spaces with amazing panoramic mountain views.
Spend multiple nights camping in the Ecuadorian Highlands.
Area filled with high mountain lakes and lagoons.
Chances to observe speckled bear, andean condor, deer, peregrine falcons and more.
Private professionally guided trips with locally freeze dried meals.
Hike will finish at Termas Papallacta where we’ll have an option for lunch and getting into the thermal pools.
Cayambe-Coca National Park is a massive 900,000 acre park located in the highland region of Ecuador. Just a short, couple hour, trip from Quito the park offers numerous opportunities for backcountry adventures.
Our multi-day trekking adventure takes us through the Andean Paramo and offers spectacular views of the area. Ample rain in the region offers contrasting views of regional flora with a rugged volcanic mountain landscape. The area is full of high mountain lagoons, waterfalls, and wide open spaces.
Prices listed are per person for a single adventurer. Groups of 2 or more are automatically discounted appropriately when added to the cart.
Activity Level
This trip is rated as difficult for activity level. The altitude will be mostly above 14,000ft. The weather in the region can change quickly. This region produces massive amounts of rainfall yearly and guests should have adequate rain gear. There is light scrambling into valley’s but should not be an issue for most active people. Guests will carry their pack which typically weighs 30-35lbs for this trip. Hiking distance is around 30km total, with the first day camp usually close to 6km.
Day 1:
- Leave Quito around 6am
- Stop for Breakfast on the way to trailhead
- Arrive at trailhead between 9-9:30am
- Hike to first camp site stopping by 2-2:30pm depending upon weather
- Explore area around camp or trout fishing opportunities
Day 2:
- The second day will have us climbing up to the next set of mountain lagoons
- We will start early and take our time as our estimated elevation gain is around 550m (1600ft)
- Stopping time will be close to the same 2:00-3:00pm.
- Afternoon will have opportunities for lagoon trout fishing or exploration
Day 3:
- Today we will hike to the last lagoon
- Arriving at the lagoon will give time for food, pictures, and fishing before doubling back for our hike down
- Depending upon the weather we will push until 2:30-4:00 before finding a lagoon for our last night at camp.
Day 4:
- The final day we will hike down to our final destination Termas de Papallacta
- Upon completion of the route we will book into hotel at the termas for a dip in the thermal pools and a warm lunch.
Day 5:
- Breakfast
- Return to Quito
Pick up will be from Quito area or airport. We will contact guests to arrange pick up location.
Pick up will be from Quito area or airport. We will contact guests to arrange pick up location.
Guest Gear List (required)
3-season water resistant tent
Backpack Multiday (50-80L)
Base Layers, fleece or wool hat, hiking pants, hiking boots, hiking socks, insulated waterproof jacket and pants, long sleeve shirts
Headlamp with batteries
Trowel for bathroom, TP, wet wipes, hand cleaner
Sleeping Bag 1°-14° and sleeping pad (air filled).
Mess kit - Spork, bowl, mug
Water bottle
Whistle
Prescription Medications
Guest Gear List (recommended)
Sunhat
Trekking poles
Camera
Electrolytes
Gloves
Casual camp shoes
Sunglasses
Extra clothing (socks, shirts, undies)
All trips include private professional guide service. Groups are not mixed and max guide to guest ratio is 6:1. Groups over 6 will have an additional guide.
Trip support provided by tour leader.
Lodging or camping as required by trip.
Entrance fees to all parks and reserves.
Transportation to and from the adventure sites.
Food, water, coffee during adventure.
Guides will carry camp stoves and gas containers. Guests are welcome to bring their own
Guides will have water filters to filter water from streams and lagoons
Guides carry first aid kits, emergency locator beacons, two-way radios
Guides carry sunblock and insect repellent
Not included in price:
- Rental Equipment
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuity
This trip is a multi day trekking adventure. Guests will carry packs that weigh between 30-35lbs. The area receives large amounts of rain each year and guests should have adequate rain gear.
Cancellations can be made up to 5 days before trip. Cancellations made within 5 days may be charged upto 25% of travel cost, depending upon tour and what arrangments need to be cancelled. We will always try to refund 100% of customer funds on cancelled vacations.